“Hate Propaganda in Cyberspace: Censorship, Freedom of Speech, and Critical Surfing” by Young M. Kim

Technological innovations have greatly enhanced many aspects of our life. The way we communicate is one of them. However, any change brings not only positive outcomes, but it may also result is some negative effects. Such is the invention of the Internet. On one hand it is a perfect tool for communication with its revolutionary speed and wide accessibility. On other hand, the information publicly available on the Internet is not restricted based on its content, although several attempts have been made, and therefore different age groups are exposed to sometimes violent or harmful information. Hate propaganda is one of the most dangerous types of information publicly accessible on the Internet. Hate groups have been dramatically rising in the United States lately. Since distribution of hate propaganda is inexpensive and far-reaching via Internet, this problem may pose a real danger for our society.

This problem has been addressed in the article by Young Kim called “Hate Propaganda in Cyberspace: Censorship, Freedom of Speech, and Critical Surfing”. The article has provided an outline of the problem as well as introduced a solution presented by further actions the Kim suggests taking in order to lessen the hurt made by hate propaganda in the Internet.1 Kim explains that the hate propaganda owns its popularity to the two major factors: freedom of speech and wide accessibility of the Internet.2 Further the article describes why hate groups are being so much influenced by the proliferation of hate in the Internet.

Censorship is another issue raised in Kim’s article. Freedom of speech is an essential part of democratic government, because the only way truth can emerge is when there is an open competition of ideas. However, there is a strong support of censorship when people start mentioning extremely offensive opinions. Kim suggests that Internet made censorship far too unrealistic and therefore the responsibility of the hate propaganda should now be heavily placed on parents and educators. 3

In her article “Hate Propaganda in Cyberspace” Kim points out that hate propaganda is targeting new groups, among which are children and young people.4 This fact is supported by statistics from other sources, although it has been noted that the influence of hate propaganda on young people in the Internet is still relatively small. Besides, there are many restrictive programs already available to prevent students from visiting hate web sites.

Censorship is an important action to prevent the spread of hate propaganda. Unfortunately, as Kim notes, of all media sources Internet is the most free and uncontrolled.5 Kim explains that it is really hard to regulate or monitor Internet due to its decentralized and worldwide nature.6 It is easy to avoid censorship, if one is imposed, by simply changing a geographical location of venue of the web site. For example, if one country restricts certain information to be displayed online, another may allow its legal publicity under certain laws, such as the 1st Amendment in the United States. Thus, once the information is published in the U.S., it is exposed to worldwide access. Kim makes a very good point on this explaining that there are no boundaries of freedom for people who know Internet well. 7

The article “Hate Propaganda in Cyberspace: Censorship, Freedom of Speech, and Critical Surfing” by Young Kim is written from a conflict theoretical perspective showing that while Internet is considered to be a public good, it serves certain groups not in the most beneficial way for the rest, and in cases like hate propaganda it can be damaging for the majority of people in society.

Kim’s view is certainly biased, since she shows only one side of an issue: how hate propaganda and lack of censorship are damaging for the society as a whole. However, it is arguable that freedom of speech should be questioned at all. If we want to enjoy the freedom fully, the full protection should be given to the freedom of speech; there should be no compromises about it. The freedom of speech documented in the First Amendment is not only a constitutional protection, but also an inevitable part of democratic government and independence, which are essential values in our society. That is why the American citizen’s right to free speech is should be held as the highest virtue and any censorship of freedom of speech should not be allowed, but only respected. Nevertheless, Kim’s article is valuable in essence that instead of offering a simple solution, it emphasizes the role of parents and educators in helping kids to distinguish between right and wrong.

Testimonials:

Sam (USA)

I really appreciate what you are doing! I am running out of ideas and I was not ready for this kind of work! I have attempted to do a research paper in the past and received an above average grade. I was not happy with that grade and thought to give this a try.....

Thank you very much! This paper was actually more difficult for me. Work was really stressful and I could not get this research paper off my head!

Luv (UK)

Thank you so much for the last revision. You truly are great. I got A's on all the papers. I really appreciate all your hard work.

Tim (Canada)

I would just like to say, Thank you very much for the paper. This will save me a lot of time in the end. Looking forward to using your services shortly. When running out of time, I get stressed easy. Especially when I have a lot running on this.

Thank you again!

Brent E. (USA)

Thank you for the great paper. I received a fantastic grade and found the paper up to my high standards with only a little reworking. You guys were prompt with delivery and answers to my numerous questions. Not only will I use your service again, but I will refer you to anyone looking for a little help.

Jeff F. (USA)

Thank you so much for your services. You are truely a godsend. The paper was exactly what I wanted and included some of the same studies i have researced as well. The writer captured the essence of what i wanted. You can be sure i will use your services again. Awesome job!!! Thank you.

Mason B. (Australia)

I got a 99 on the rough draft for this paper-- THANKS YOU!! JOB WELL DONE! I have MINOR changes to do but 99 I think I'll just sent it.

James A. (USA)

To the writer regarding this essay. The paper was given an A- the professor wrote that the opening 1st page was redundant and could have been summarized in one paragraph instead of a whole page other then that a very excellent job. I wish my second order was written by you as well. How would I request you as a writer on future assignments? Thanks again.

Lil V. (USA)

I received a 195 out of 200, my teacher was so impressed and the paper I requested was 4 pages shorter then the teacher was requiring!!!! You truly helped me out, thank you so much.

Kena (New Zealand)

Dear writer, Thank you so much for completing an excellent paper from the "get-go". I am extremely pleased. It is so refreshing to find a writer how is truly an expert at writing! I have used other companies in the past and the bulk of them provide crap. Thank you again.